Ports & Maritime

Maritime infrastructure is hugely important in facilitating the use of transport services, as well as supporting coastal communities and onshore and offshore industries.

Ports

Ports have a very important role in maintaining the UK's economic and social status. They handle both passengers and cargo, making them vital to industries such as tourism, retail and leisure. As offshore renewables increase in number and use, ports will have an increasingly significant role in supporting the renewable energy sector.

Coastal and water courses

Engineers have an important responsibility managing coastal and estuary projects. These include programs such as shoreline protection and restoration plans, dredging and dredged material management, habitat restoration, and storm water mitigation.

Offshore construction

Structures and pipelines are often situated offshore to provide electricity, gas and oil to the mainland. This construction takes place in various ways. Some infrastructure is built onshore and towed, whilst other pieces are built as modules. These structures require vessels and cranes for installation and general operation and maintenance

The Irish Maritime transport industry accounts for 99% of Ireland’s imports and exports by volume and 95% by value. €158 billion worth of merchandise goods were transported by the Irish supply chain in 2006.

The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) estimates that the sector directly employs over 8,300 people and had a combined estimated turnover of €1.69 billion in 2006

The UK

The UK maritime industry with its rich historical heritage is the lifeblood of trade, commerce and industry of the UK. Almost 95% of the goods that are produced and consumed in UK are imported and exported through its 52 major ports. It is only due to its extensive and efficient shipping industry that the UK is now the 4th largest economy of the world. Also it boasts of possessing the largest shipping industry of Europe.

Worldwide

On a worldwide basis over 95% of goods are shipped through a maritime network at one stage or other of their consumer journey

Ireland

The Irish Maritime transport industry accounts for 99% of Ireland’s imports and exports by volume and 95% by value. €158 billion worth of merchandise goods were transported by the Irish supply chain in 2006.

The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) estimates that the sector directly employs over 8,300 people and had a combined estimated turnover of €1.69 billion in 2006.